Corban came up just short on Monday against No. 8-ranked Westmont. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Corban University baseball team almost completed a massive comeback on Monday afternoon at No. 8-ranked Westmont College, but the Warriors were unable to complete the comeback and secure the win, resulting in a 9-7 loss against Westmont.
"It was a great comeback by the Warriors offensively against a national contending type team," said Corban head coach Jeff McKay. "We are working on getting the offense and pitching going at the same time. We need to get our bullpen healthy to beat the best teams in a series."
The game began well for the Warriors, as in the first frame, Drew Loera ripped an RBI single that scored Ryan Rosas to give Corban the quick 1-0 advantage. Benjamin Liogon then singled to left field to score Jackson Smith, and Ethan Bragg capped off the frame with an RBI groundout to make it a 3-0 Corban lead.
In the bottom half of the first, however, things unraveled as Westmont responded by scoring seven runs while regaining total control of the contest.
Corban would pull one back in the second inning when Loera ripped another RBI single to keep the Warriors within touching distance.
Rosas notched a sacrifice fly in the fourth, and then Smith recorded an RBI groundout to make it a one-run ballgame, and it felt as if the momentum was all back with Corban. In the sixth inning, Loera hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Rosas from third base to tie the game at 7-7.
A costly error in the bottom of the sixth got things going again for Westmont (6-0), however, and by the end of the frame, the home side had tacked on the two go-ahead runs, ultimately serving as the final runs scored of the game, and the difference in the final score.
"It was a tough series, but this team showed it has everything it takes in ability and heart to go head to head against anyone we will play," said McKay. "We are looking forward to playing as one tomorrow."
Despite the defeat, the top of the Corban batting order performed very well, as Rosas went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and one RBI, while Smith went 2-for-4 and Loera went 2-for-4, totaling a team-best three RBI. Also registering two hits on the afternoon for the Warriors was Tyler Reitz.
Corban (3-4) returns to the diamond tomorrow when it takes on The Master's University (Calif.). First pitch in Santa Clarita is set for 2 p.m.